Whether the Astros dabble some more in the free agent market or take their stab at a trade, they’re going to pay too much. Already, it’s obvious the second tier pitchers like Ted Lilly, Jeff Suppan and others are going to cash in big.

That means more teams are looking for pitching on the trade front. And that will drive up the asking price there too, forcing teams like the Astros to consider parting with more than they may like to.

Just a few weeks ago, I was excited about seeing some new faces in an Astros’ uniform. Now, the cost of those new faces is a scary proposition.

The Winter Meetings begin Monday in Orlando. With the prices sky-rocketing almost daily, the Astros may be wise to make a move quickly. Get someone like Jason Jennings, Vincente Padilla or Gil Meche and then come inside, close the door and watch the rest of the winter.

Wait on Andy. He said he’d decide by Christmas. If he decides to play, great. If not, put Fernando Nieve back in the rotation and start the season with Oswalt, Jennings/Meche, Williams, Hirsh and Nieve. Perhaps Clemens comes back, but if he doesn’t the Astros still have some wiggle room to add a pitcher in May or June. Still, if you don’t blow all your leverage, you still have Buchholz, Sampson, Albers, et al to fall back on until the craziness stops.

This is probably one of those flip-flops many of you accuse a Houston writer of, but the Astros don’t have to make all their moves here in December. I know, I know, I’ve been waiting for Tim Purpura to make a lot of moves and improve the team, but the market is just plain stupid right now. If the Astros spend another $10 million on a free agent pitcher like Lilly or Meche, or trade away Taveras, Burke and/or Ensberg trying to improve the rotation, will it really be worth it? Especially if there is nothing else left to spend, either in money or players?

At this point, the Astros cannot afford to overpay either via the free agent route or the trade front. But they have to make at least one more move to bolster the rotation.

Here are several players who have been mentioned in trade rumors or who may have the most value as the Astros hunt for pitching:

Young player with lots of upside. He could turn into a Kenny Lofton, but he’s probably more of a Juan Pierre at best. Pierre has never had fewer than 45 stolen bases, including his first two years. Lofton is a .299 career hitter with 599 career stolen bases.

Taveras has shown lots of promise, but has only 33 and 34 SBs in his first two years.

Chris Burke — Available.

Speed, pop, versatile.

Again, a young player with lots of upside. He is versatile and can play five positions (2B, SS, LF, CF, RF), which is something the Astros have always liked. Plus he’ll enter his third year as the heir-apparent to Craig Biggio. Burke could fit nicely in the leadoff or 2-hole, but could also eventually be an RBI guy in the sixth spot in the order.

Teams have asked about his availability and he’s apparently available for the right scenario. It would almost have to bring a top-of-the-line pitcher or another bat. The Astros seem to have given up hope of signing Aubrey Huff, although he may have been a better option. Huff will likely go to an American League and may get as much as 3-4 years at $8-10 million per year. Depending on what they do with the rotation and Ensberg’s contract (perhaps as high as $5 million), the Astros may be forced to move him.

Jason Hirsh — Available.

Great prospect, potential #2 or #3 starter eventually.

Hirsh could be included in a deal for either another bat or an upgrade on the pitching staff. Along with Fernando Nieve, he is the best bet of the kid pitchers. Count Matt Albers, Chris Sampson and Taylor Buchholz just a tad below them.

Purpura has said either public or to other teams that these players are not available on the trade market.

A number of teams have asked, but apparently the Astros have told teams Lidge isn’t going anywhere. Purpura said he is happy with the Big Three in the bullpen (Lidge, Wheeler, Qualls). Has new pitching coach Dave Wallace influenced that decision? It’s possible, but the Astros could do a lot worse than Lidge.

Chad Qualls, Dan Wheeler — Not available.

Quality setup pitchers who will be under team control for at least two more years.

Few teams in the majors have a 1-2-3 punch like the Astros. Sure, Qualls, Wheeler and Lidge have their warts and they’ve hit the skids now and then. But their youth — and experience — would indicate they can be around for several years.

Mike Lamb — Uncertain, but probably unavailable.

Good left-handed bat who provides versatility off the bench and can start stretches if needed. Too valuable to lose unless something substantial was coming back in return.